and
the Welsh Borders. Ludlow
Travelling from Chester in the North, Ludlow is reached via the A49 between
Shrewsbury and Hereford., passing by the delightful Shropshire hills known
as
the Long Mynd. The landscape is reminiscent of the rolling hills near Aberdyfi,
Wales, some miles away across the Welsh Border, and tempts you to leave
the car and walk those "Blue remembered Hills".
Protected by both the river Teme and river Corve, the town of Ludlow
and Ludlow Castle stand on high ground, able to resist attack from would
be invaders from over the Welsh Border. Being less than 10 miles from Wales
the threat has to be taken seriously. Perhaps I should say the threat "had"
to be taken seriously as it was some 900 years ago when the sons of Walter
de Lacy, one of the Norman Conquerors, began to build their Castle Fortress.
The stone was readily available, being quarried from the castle's own site,
and water was obtained from a deep well within the Castle walls. But  however
well the Castle was constructed it is to no avail as the Welsh and indeed
many other tourists now "invade" this beautiful market town on
a regular basis.
Ludlow has a lively market situated in the town square fronting the Castle.
There are food fairs, often held within the Castle, speciality food shops
and many restaurants and Inns, But Ludlow is more than just Ludlow
Castle, with the parish church and over 500 historically listed buildings,
many of them black and white half timbered, the town is a site to behold.
St. Laurence's Church, Ludlow
parish church, is the largest parish church in Shropshire and has an
imposing 41m (135 feet) high tower that invites you to seek it out when
viewed while entering the town. And although it can be glimpsed above the
rooftops from many places within the town you need to persevere to actually
find the church, with the medieval streets and buildings seemingly designed
to hide it from closer inspection.
It is to be found however in a small square at the top of the hill
north of King Street, west of Castle Square .
The search for the parish church epitomises the best way to see Ludlow.
By foot. The heart of the town is quite small, as with many medieval towns,
and the use of the car is both unnecessary and indeed a hindrance. A round
trip walking from Castle Square down Old Street to the River Teme, then
West alongside the river toward the Castle Walls and beyond will deliver
up many of Ludlows secrets in just an hours walk.
Ludlow's Castle was probably the strongest fortified building in The Welsh
Marches and Borders of Wales. and, once the home of Kings, dominated life
in the town for centuries. On visiting Ludlow to this day you will see the
vital part the Castle still plays as a venue for open air theatre, food
festivals and other important events in the life of the town of Ludlow.
Nowadays, a traditional open-air market, managed by Ludlow Town Council,
takes place in the town square (Castle Street) every Monday, Friday and
Saturday throughout the year, with Wednesday markets from April to September.
More than forty stalls selling a range of goods including fresh produce,
cheeses, books and a selection of local crafts. There are also Christmas
markets on Wednesdays in December. Further information from the Markets
Manager on 01562 822870.
John Betjeman,
the former Poet Laureate said Ludlow was "the loveliest town in England"
and it is well worth a visit whether on a short break or as part of a long
distance walk such as the Shropshire Way. This long distance path covers
the whole of Shropshire and passes through Ludlow.
Another long distance path, Offa's
Dyke Path, travels along the Anglo-Saxon
earthwork running north-south along the English - Welsh border and passes
through the town of Knighton, at which there is an Offa's Dyke Visitor Centre,
and although some miles from Ludlow, is one of the most spectacular stretches
of the Dyke and is within reach of the town.
Why not try a bit of luxury on your long walk, spoil yourself and stay at
a world renowned hotel, the Feathers in Ludlow. It has the most fantastic
timbered facade and is recognised for its beautiful Jacobean architecture
and medieval heritage. Described by Nikolaus Pevsner in 'The Buildings of
England' as 'that prodigy of timber framed houses' and, more recently, in
the New York Times as 'the most handsome inn in the world'
. I stayed there myself and, while it is expensive, it is in the centre
of the town and although the parking is tight the rooms were not, with a
nice sized bedroom and large en-suite bathroom, overlooking the towns main
street.
Situated on the river Teme in the county of Shropshire, Ludlow is on the
A49 between Shrewsbury and Hereford. It is linked to the M5/M6 by the A456
through Kidderminster. Ludlow has fast and direct trains from Cardiff, Crewe,
Hereford, Liverpool, London (via Newport), Manchester, North Wales and Shrewsbury.
Please scroll down the page for some more pictures of Ludlow.
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